Answer to Question 1
A
In most 24-hour specimen collections, you will need to discard the first voided specimen and then start collecting urine in a special container that already has a preservative added. Depending on the test, the urine container may need to be kept cool by placing it in a container of ice. Patient education must include an explanation of the test, an emphasis on the need to collect all urine voided during the prescribed time period, and how to avoid contaminating the specimen with stool or toilet paper. Careful documentation of the start and stop time of the test, as requested by the laboratory, will improve testing accuracy. A 24-hour specimen can be started at any time after obtaining and discarding the first voided specimen.
Answer to Question 2
D
Male patients should be instructed to retract the foreskin, if not circumcised, and cleanse the meatus in a circular motion moving from the center of the meatus to the outside. After cleansing, have the patient open the sterile urine cup and caution the patient to not touch the inside of the cup. To collect the specimen, instruct the patient to start voiding in the toilet or other receptacle, stop the stream, position the sterile cup to collect urine and then continue voiding into the cup. When finished, the lid should be put on the cup and the specimen processed per laboratory instruction. A simple urinalysis does not require a sterile urine specimen or sample. Obtaining the specimen from a straight catheter would occur if there was an issue with urinary retention or the patient is unable to void.